Integrated smart actuator and valve device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC actuators lack integration of advanced processing and wireless communication technologies, leading to reduced functionality and increased maintenance requirements in building management systems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated valve and actuator system with a processing circuit, flow rate sensor, and wireless communications capabilities, allowing for real-time control and fault detection, and optimization of pump pressure setpoints through cascaded control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC actuators are designed as mechanical devices, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality is limited and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator motor, drive coupling, processing circuit, flow rate sensor, and wireless communications circuit into a single integrated device chassis. This merging of previously separate mechanical and electronic components into one unified device increases functionality while managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: the motor drives the valve, the processing circuit controls operation and detects faults, the flow rate sensor measures fluid flow, and the wireless communications circuit enables remote communication. This multi-functionality within a single device addresses the need for enhanced adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate devices are used in HVAC systems, then device functionality is sufficient, but the number of devices to install and maintain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuator, processing circuit, flow rate sensor, and wireless communications capabilities into a single integrated device that replaces multiple separate components. This reduction in device quantity directly improves ease of maintenance by minimizing the number of devices technicians must install, configure, and maintain while preserving all necessary functionalities.
3Measurement precision
If advanced processing and wireless communication technologies are integrated, then control precision and real-time monitoring improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuit receives real-time flow rate measurements from the flow rate sensor and uses this feedback to determine actuator position setpoints and detect fault conditions. This feedback mechanism enables precise control and monitoring while the integration into a unified device manages the complexity of these advanced technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device acts as an intermediary between the HVAC system's control network and the physical valve actuation mechanism. The wireless communications circuit and processing circuit together mediate between remote control commands and local actuator operation, enabling precise control while consolidating complexity into a single manageable interface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the functionality of HVAC systems by reducing the number of devices needed, improving control precision, and optimizing system efficiency through wireless communication and real-time data processing.
Implementation Method 1
the flow rate sensor is an ultrasonic flow rate sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to modify an environmental condition of a building includes a valve configured to regulate a flow of a fluid and an actuator. The actuator includes a motor and a drive coupling, the drive coupling driven by the motor and coupled to the valve for driving the valve between multiple positions. The system further includes a flow rate sensor configured to measure the flow rate of the fluid through the valve and a processing circuit coupled to the motor and the flow rate sensor. The processing circuit is configured to receive a flow rate setpoint and a flow rate measurement, determine an actuator position setpoint based on the flow rate setpoint and the flow rate measurement, and operate the motor to drive the drive coupling to the actuator position setpoint. The flow rate sensor and the processing circuit are located within a common integrated device chassis.